In Progress: Sliced Porosity Block / Steven Holl Architects

Construction of Steven Holl Architects’ Sliced Porosity Block is making progress in Chengdu, China. The large hybrid complex topped out at a 123 meters in September and is scheduled for completion in 2012. The five towers house offices, serviced apartments, retail, a hotel, cafes, and restaurants. The 105,000 square foot site will stimulate a micro-urbanism and offer generous amounts of public open space.

The environmentally state of the art skyscrapers are described by Steven Holl as “a poetic form shaped by sunlight.” The precisely calculated sun angles that guides the geometry is a result of code required minimum daylight exposures to the surrounding urban fabric. Porous entrances, a multi-level urban terrace and sculpted pathways of circulation flanked with vegetation warmly welcome visitors. Overlapping geometries of black and white are illuminated by color, playfully glowing from retail signage.